Clad in your [f/c] tracksuit, you offered out the water bottles as everyone proceeded to relinquish practice for a moment and take a break. Beads of sweat clung to their skin, displaying the intensity of training; "Good work everyone! Please rest a bit."

"Thank you, [Last Name]-san," a fruity voice thanked you. The infamous beauteous pink pigtails came into your view, and your heart skipped a beat. Kirino Ranmaru was your upperclassman, and being a manager of the Raimon Soccer Club, you always got caught up in conversing with him - not that you were complaining.

Lately, you had to admit you flushed when you were around the proud defender. You indubitably had a crush on Kirino.

You timidly shook your head, hand coming into the air to dismiss the comment, "It's nothing, really, Kirino-senpai...!"

"Don't be modest. Everyone really appreciates it," Kirino gave you a smile, his earnest words mirrored the glint in his eyes.

You were about to return his words, when suddenly a blistering cold item was pressed against your cheek and a shriek ripped from your throat. You fumbled away from it in panic, and an oh so familiar snicker was promptly heard.

"These could be a lot colder, don't you think, [Last Name]-chan~?"

"K-Kariya-kun!" you shouted in protest, clenching your teeth together as you wiped away the spare water that had collected on your cheek from the water bottle's edges. Honestly, that guy!

Out of all the managers to bother, he always chose you, for god who knows why. Wouldn't Aoi or even Midori have greater reactions than you? (Akane's not doing anything but taking pictures...go freak her out for a change.)

"Kariya, stop bothering her. We were talking here," Kirino intervened without really giving you a chance to voice anything.

A flash of malice flamed in Kariya's eyes before they jerked open with an innocent ridge, and he playfully said, "Oh? What were you two talking about? Nothing too bad I hope~"

"Wh-What are you even implying?!" you exclaimed, confusion now written on your face.

"It's none of your business," Kirino retorted to Kariya, voice dropping in annoyance.

Since when did Kirino get...defensive over Kariya fooling around with you two? This was almost an everyday thing, so why so suddenly...?!

"Guys, please don't fight! You have to go practice remember—"

Are they even listening to you?